Drink The Koolaide

I have set out on this journey of fitness and competition to better myself both physically and mentally. I read and do as much research on the topic of distance running and endurance sports as possible. I have also enlisted some of the greatest local minds I can find to pick their brains for as much data as they will allow. To this end, I find it very disturbing the amount of garbage that gets published these days. I have gone to the bookshelf of a very accomplished endurance athlete and picked his brain until he was ready to flatten mine. I have read and digested as much of the books and articles and lectures he has given me. I have also listened to the countless stories I am able to eek out of the local greats when they will part with them. With all this data circling around in my brain, I go online to find some more info...and nothing. Not that I am opposed reading stories about the guy who signed up for a 1/2 IM and had never ran more than a 5k. I just do not think that is the kind of story you put out there for beginners to be looking at. I was searching for mistakes that most FNG's make, not read an entire article about what common sense alone could have prevented. There is a lot of knowledge out there, just make sure you trust the source before you put a whole lot of stock in it.
Here is my new years advice...
If you are looking to get fit in this new year, take my advice...Start at home!!! The guys at Gym Jones have a saying about "no amount of work in the gym makes up for a shitty diet"...that says it all. If you want to eat like crap...I guess your gonna look like crap. Before you go and give your hard earned dollars to the junk clubs...I mean fitness clubs, look at what you could buy for your own gym with 1 years dues. At $50 a month, you have a $600 budget. You may not be able to get all the cool stuff that a boutique place has, but you do not need it. Start with a good pull up bar, then look for a good bench, and finally a nice set of dumbbells. Craigslist and other sights have a ton of this stuff, and it is usually 50% of what a store would charge you. If you have anything left in your budget, save it to buy a treadmill and or exercise bike next year. Take your weights and move them. I Have learned over the years that all the cardio in the world will not make you loose all the weight you are looking to get rid of. You must lift weights. I am not saying you need to become a power lifter, but cardio alone is not going to do it. Find a local trainer, someone who is not completely in bed with the gyms, and get a program that you can follow. If you need someone, go look at "The Pitbull's" blog, he can get you started. Get out there and get rid of your fat suit. You may end up putting more money into your gym this year because you like shopping for new clothes. Just a nice side effect to a fitness lifestyle.